© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Selected stories from the WKAR NewsRoom in your morning email. SUBSCRIBE HERE

Lobbying Spikes As Legislature Ponders Whether To Debate Right-To-Work

WKAR File Photo

It was a day of intense lobbying at the state Capitol on Tuesday as opponents and supporters turned out to argue on whether Michigan should become a right-to-work state. 

Tea party groups were here pressing for action on right-to-work legislation – which would allow workers to opt out of paying union dues at companies were membership is mandatory. Union activists showed up to ask lawmakers to stay away from such a controversial question during the lame duck session.

State House Speaker Jase Bolger is a right-to-work supporter. But he says the discussions are …

“…at this moment, exactly where they always have been,” he says.

Republicans are holding off on a decision for now in part to pressure Democrats and unions for concessions on other issues as the price for not making Michigan the 24th right-to-work state.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.